On his return to the Greek island of Lesbos, Pope Francis has lashed out at what he describes as European selfishness and indifference to migrants. “Please, let’s put an end to this shipwreck of society,” he said at the refugee camp there.
According to Francis, Europe’s harsh migration policy is having deadly consequences for those fleeing their country and seeking asylum in Europe. “We shouldn’t close our eyes to it.”
The Pope visited the new migration camp on Lesvos. The large refugee camp Moria, where the Pope was a guest in 2016, burned down last year. Francis was welcomed by migrants who had gathered behind crush barriers on the route. They took selfies with the church leader and some hugged him. The Pope also put his hand on the heads of children and others present.
No distance, no mouth cap
There was no question of keeping one and a half meters away during this personal contact. The 84-year-old pope also did not wear a mouth cap. Francis regularly does not wear a mouth mask during visits.
The visit to Lesvos is part of a five-day tour in Greece and Cyprus. According to Greece correspondent Conny Keessen, it is a clear signal that the Pope has returned to the migration camp on Lesvos after five years.
“He shows that he is very committed to the plight of refugees and migrants. That is surely the central theme of his visit to Greece and Cyprus. Together with the speaking of Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox leaders and the community there.”
Deadly pushbacks
Aid organizations have been sounding the alarm for so-called pushbacks at Europe’s borders: forcibly returning migrants. Greece, for example, denies that this is happening, but migrants say they are.
In this video NOS explains on 3 what is known about pushbacks:
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